New combo aims to free hepatitis b patients from daily pills

NCT ID NCT04980482

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Arbutus Biopharma Corporation Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This Phase 2 study tested an experimental drug called AB-729 combined with pegylated interferon and standard antiviral pills in 43 adults with chronic hepatitis B. The goal was to see if this approach could safely lower hepatitis B surface antigen levels and allow some participants to stop their daily antiviral therapy. The study is now complete, and results will show whether this combination can help control the virus long-term.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: AB-729 (an experimental drug) and pegylated interferon alfa-2a
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could help some people with chronic hepatitis B stop their daily antiviral pills and keep the virus under control.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early Phase 2 study with only 43 participants. It may not lead to lasting virus control, and side effects from the drugs could occur.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic hepatitis B virus infection hepatitis hepatitis B virus infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC HEPATITIS B

Contacts and locations

Locations

Arensia Exploratory Medicine Moldova

Chisinau, 2025, Moldova
Arizona Liver Health

Chandler, Arizona, 85224, United States
Arizona Liver Health

Tucson, Arizona, 85712, United States
Asan Medical Center

Seoul, South Korea
Chia-Yi Christian Hospital

Chiayi City, 60002, Taiwan
Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital

Kaohsiung City, 83301, Taiwan
Henry Ford Health System

Detroit, Michigan, 48202, United States
ID Care

Hillsborough, New Jersey, 08844, United States
Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Kaohsiung City, 83301, Taiwan
Medical Center of Limited Liability Company Harmoniya Krasy

Kyiv, 01135, Ukraine
Nepean Hospital

Kingswood, New South Wales, 2747, Australia
Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Pusan National University Hospital

Pusan, Republic of Korea, 49241, South Korea
Queen Mary Hospital

Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Research and Education, Inc.

San Diego, California, 92105, United States
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne

Melbourne, Victoria, 3065, Australia
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Miami, Florida, 33136, United States

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